A ‘Panda Protection Program’

It is not certain if panda bears can contract the H1N1 Swine flu. But China is taking no chances.

A research center in northwestern China has closed its doors to all visitors as a precaution to protect endangered species – the giant panda being priority one. It is not known if the beautiful creature is really susceptible even though reports from some veterinarians claim that small pets have indeed been infected. The center has banned any employees from the site who evidence any flu-like symptoms.

The giant Panda is viewed like a nation treasure in China and few would argue over the magnificence of the rare creature. Also, not many would even go against any normal attempts to protect the amazing creature from harm if possible. But this topic brings up a fundamental problem. That issue arises when the intense care and respect for an animal, any animal, is placed above the needs, rights, and value of people - all made in the image of God! (Genesis 1:26)

Modern China has come a long way in recent times and has become one of the economic superstars of the global community. But the nation is also resides near the top of the list in blatant human rights violations and has for countless decades. In her recent visit to the country, secretary of state, Hillary Clinton said human rights could not be permitted to “interfere” with larger concerns, such as global climate change and financial-market mayhem.” Apparently 'larger concerns' do not include government forced abortions?

When any system devalues human soul, the root cause is quite simple. It is all about, and only about, human sin. And the hands-down best description of the source and scope of sin comes from the pen of the Apostle Paul in chapter one of his letter to the Romans. He condenses the immense problem into a few well-chosen words beginning in verse 21.

“Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” Translated – they were willing to worship and adore everything and anything but the God who made them.

Then later on, Paul adds the eventual impact of suppressing the obvious existence and demands of the Creator. Verse 28 reads, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.” When a debased mind controls a heart, an individual becomes incapable of basic understanding. He or she can no longer rightfully judge simple matters of right from wrong! This, in turn, causes all manner of evil behavior - some of which is spelled out in verses at the chapter’s end. Then, too, a mind in this state may eventually come to value, and treat better, animals over humans. A reprobate mind is, without exception, the worst and most dangerous spiritual condition possible. Left unchecked, it will one day bring the fair and right judgment from a holy God. (Romans 1:18-21)

Basic human rights and value do not originate from human beings. America’s founders understood God’s role in the equation. They got it fully right in the Declaration Of Independence. Their all too familiar, and nearly divinely inspired, words read, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are CREATED equal, that they are endowed by their CREATOR with certain ‘unalienable’ Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The church of Jesus Christ should be in fervent prayer for their oppressed brethren in China and other similar places. They should pray for that nation’s leaders, and that they somehow realize that they too are made in God’s image and desperately need His redemptive work in their hearts. But at the same time, Christians in American should pray for their own spiritually floundering nation. They should intercede for a culture in obvious moral decline - one that has seen the value of human life quickly erode. Like China, theirs is a nation in serious need of a serious return to their Creator – the one who alone allowed them to achieve the greatest prosperity and freedoms the world has ever known.

China’s ‘Panda Protection Program’ may help to save their valuable and precious creatures. But God’s priority is the saving of infinitely valued souls - all miraculously created in His own image and for His glory!

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Bill Breckenridge